I'll try to make this brief......I was dx with Fibro in 1987, however, this yr has brought all NEW challenges. Actually started in 05 with weakness in left arm, pain in neck. MRI results showed DDD. C5 & C6. Long story shorter, sent to Neuro, who, upon asking history (severe headaches, dizziness, loss of balance, not falls...mostly stumbles, LOSS of bladder control <<that is weird, and THIS year for the first time, actual leg spasms. Watching TV, legs will just jerk on their own......weird stuff.) Like i said, Fibro DX in 1987, so tons of history with undx pain......neruo sent me for a brain scan, these are the results: (first the prescription said: "To rule out M/S")

EXACTLY "Impression: Non specfic white matter hyperintintensities. These probably represent areas of small vessel ischemic change and are slightly greater than expected for age. (me....I am 45 woman) A demyelinating process cannot positively be excluded."

My GP at about the same time gave me blood tests because for some (again)unknown reason, my ankles have begun to swell and by about 3-4 in the afternoon I have quite the time getting around. All of the testing came back normal. I am still having the ankle thing, AND am now broken out in a RASH that I saw the GP for on Tuesday. She said it is "either Poison Ivy, Oak or Hives, not sure which.....we will treat with a steriod injection and steroids orally". (yes, unquote.)

So, WOW. I usually just get on the boards to read. Husband suffers from Polycystic Kidney Disease, and will be receiving a kidney transplant in about one year.....There is so much good information on the boards, thought I might put this out with the hopes that someone out there might answer.
Thanks.
ConnieP
:cool:

hi, you may want to check out the lyme boards. Lots of good info. good luck

thought someone might give some insight into the MRI results......don't go back to the neuro until the 20th. Frightened about the MS.
???
Thanks
Will look at the Lyme board. thank you

Connie,

The mri's really need to be read by your neuro,radiologist are great,but they are not trained to see deeper like a neuro.

Yes,when I was going throught he DX process of MS it was scary and I was afraid and I will tell ya this disease still scares the crap out of me,but its liveable,manageable,but not curable as of yet.

I was Dx'd a few days before I turned 41.I was dx'd Dec.2006 but a few of my Drs including my GP suspected MS in 2004 but the initial shock of still hearing it was hard.

You'll get great support here,Your neuro is best to see the MRI's and have him explain them.

You have your hands full with your symptoms and hubbies,I have a high school friend who has the same disease as your hubbies.

The 20th will come soon,try to relax and not stress,I know like many thats hard to sit and wait.

Your neuro seems to be on top of things thats great.

keep asking questions they will get answered and welcome

HI Connie

Welcome to the board, lots of great people here with tons of experience and helpful information.

The one thing that struck me was that the MRI result stated that demylenating process could not be excluded. This definitely points in the MS direction. It didn't mention any specific lesions which is good but basically the MRI by the reading of the radiologist is inconclusive. Your Neurologist will more than likely read the films him/her self and (just to prepare you) order more testing. He will, hopefully, get these results before your visit and may call to order more testing before you see him again. This would save time for you for sure.

I was just diagnosed in Feb of this year after about 10 yrs of having various neurological symptoms. I turned 47 2 weeks later. My MRI of the head came back clear but the MRI of my C-spine and T-spine showed lesions. I had mixed emotions to say the least. Happy that I had a diagnosis finally and wasn't going crazy but scared to death that it was MS.
This board and the people that make it so wonderful have really saved my life and sanity this year.

Hope this helps and please keep us posted
Take care
Kt:wave:

Feeling better already, thanks for the awesome and quick replys........
I do so appreciate it.
Yes, the 20th will come soon enough.
Thanks again.
connieP;)

SO appreciate your responses, it does help to know I am not alone!!
Thanks a million. Rash has now spread.......Finished the med-pack yesterday, doctor called in hydroxyzine for the itch. I swear to GOD, there have been moments here lately when I seriously doubt my own sanity. Pretty scary stuff. Wish this rash would go away.
Actually looking forward to the doctor visit Friday now. Thanks again for your encouragement and kind words.

Well, the 20th has come and gone......STILL itching.
Went to the neuro surgeon. He says "no surgery until we have a definitive answer on the MS". Now, what the heck. I am to see a neurologist on the 30th. At least this is going to be anti-climatic. Sure glad the board is here.
Even the family just doesn't "get it",

ConnieP